Stamp-holder and match-safe



(No Model.)

C.PRA.GER.

STAMP HOLDER AND MATCH SAFE.

Patented June 2, 1896.

NrrEn STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CONRAD PRAGER, OF ETNA, PENNSYLVANIA.

STAMP-HOLDER AND MATCH-SAFE.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 561 ,434, dated June 2, 1896.

Application filed February 12, 1896. Serial No. 578,994. (No model.)

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CONRAD PRAGER, a citizen of the United States of America, residing at Etna Borough, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Stamp- Holders and Match-Safes, of which the following is a specification, reference being had therein to the accompanying drawings.

This invention relates to certain new and useful improvements .in match safes, and more particularly to that class known as combined match-safes and stamp-holders.

The invention has for its object the provision of new and novel means whereby postage-stamps and matches may be conveniently and compactly carried in a small receptacle; furthermore, a combinat-ion-receptacle whereby the stamps are so arranged that they may be readily removed and prevented from sticking together when carried, a further object being to so manage the postage-stamps within the receptacle that in case the matches accidentall y ignited the stamps would not be damaged.

A further object of my invention is to construct a receptacle of the above-referredto class that will be extremely simple in its construction, strong, durable, and comparatively inexpensive to manufacture.

With the above and other objects in view the invention finally consists in the novel construction, combination, and arrangement of parts to be hereinafter more particularly described, and specifically pointed out in the claims.

In describing the invention in detail reference is had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and wherein like letters of reference indicate similar parts throughout the several views,in which- Figure 1 is a side View of my improved combined match safe and stan1p-holdcr, showing the latter in an elevated position. Fig. 2 is a top plan view showing the lid open. Fig. 3 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view taken 011 the line as of Fig. 2. Fig. dis a transverse sectional view taken on the line Y of Fig. 1. Fig. 5 is a perspective view of the stamp holder.

In the drawings, A represents the outer casing or box, and B the hinged cap or cover of same, which has secured at its base a small arm 0, having a forked end which engages a spring D when the lid is opened. The sides of the box a are constructed with an inner casing E, and between this inner wall or casing E and the outer casing A is provided a slide F, having inwardly-projecting flanges G G, extending in alinement therewith, and at the top is provided a flange H, forming a catch to withdraw the slide.

Some distance above the lower end of the box is provided a false bottom I, on which the matches rest, thus keeping the upper ends of the same above the top of the box proper, so that when the lid is raised the matches may be obtained without tilting the box. At the top of the side portions of the box is provided a cut-away portion J to allow the catching of the flange H to withdraw the slide.

The slide F is preferably formed of sufflcient length to admit the reception of three postage-stamps, which being of greater length than the ordinary matches I have therefore provided the false bottom for the matches to rest upon, thus allowing them to project a short distance above the box proper, but not too far to prevent the closing of the lid.

By providing the slides on each side of the box, room is obtained for six postage-stamps without having the same overlying each other; but it will be readily noted that a quantity of stamps may be inserted in each slide, if desired, and when it is desired to use a stamp the slide may be readily withdrawn by inserting the finger-nail or a catch of any description under the flange H at the cut-away portion J, and after extracting the stamp the slide can be pushed back into position.

The advantage of a device of this kindwill be readily apparent, as it is often desired by parties to carry a few postage-stamps, and when these are carried in the pocket or pocketbook they are very liable to stick together and become worthless, while my receptacle, being preferably formed of metal, will not become heated at any time when carried in the pocket sufficiently to injure the stamps.

It will be noted that various changes may be made in the details of construction of my improved stamp-holder and match-box without departing from the general spirit of my invention.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters extending longitudinally therewith, said slide Patent, is-

1. In combination, an outer receptacle or box provided with a hinged cover and having 1 an inner wall on each side, a slide adapted to fit between the walls, and having longitudinal flanges, and a spring for operating the cover, as and for the purpose described.

2. In combination, an outer receptacle havin g inner walls,a slide having flanges at its top and inwardly-protruding flanges extending longitudinally therewith, said slide fitting between the walls of the receptacle, a false bottom arranged in the box, a cap or cover, a forked arm connected therewith and a spring engaging the arm, as and for the purpose described.

3. In a combination stamp holder and match-safe, the outer casing having an inner wall on each side, a slide formed with a flange at the top, and inwardly-protruding flanges being adapted to fit between the outer and inner walls, a false bottom arranged in the box, and a spring secured in the box to engage a forked arm secured to the cap or cover,

all parts being arranged and operating substantially as shown and described.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature in presence of two witnesses. 

